Pet parents in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County are concerned about the rapidly growing population of a rare mosquito that carries heartworm. If this disease is not treated, worms fill up the hearts of dogs, eventually killing them.
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has trapped 300 Western tree hole mosquitoes so far this season, compared to only 60 captured in the 17 years it has been collecting data, according to the San Gabriel Tribune.
Dr. Emily Beeler of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health told the Tribune that unlike the dozen other mosquito species in Los Angeles County, this mosquito frequently carries heartworm. The mosquito gets the disease when it bites animals; coyotes are considered to be a major carrier.
Since Western tree hole mosquitoes live about six weeks, which is a month longer than other mosquitoes, it makes them more likely carriers of heartworm.
“Last year we had many more cases reported than in previous years,” Beeler said. “More and more of those cases were thought to be locally contracted.”
While no specific reason is known for the growing mosquito population, the rainstorms over the past few months likely played a part. Kelly Middleton, a spokeswoman for the district, told the Tribute that the Western tree hole mosquito lays its eggs in the holes of rotted wood and trees. The eggs can remain dormant for years until water fills the holes and the mosquitoes hatch.
“In the history of this district we’re lucky to catch any,” she said. “But the increased rainfall we’ve had this year probably filled up tree holes.”
The Western tree hole mosquito is about a quarter-inch to half-inch long – half the size of common mosquitoes. They do not need standing water to multiply.
“Controlling them is really difficult because you have to find all the hidden sources – even a small tree hole about an inch or so can provide the resources these mosquitoes need,” Middleton said.
She recommended that homeowners fill tree holes with sand or a water-absorbing gel, or create flashing around holes that will deflect away water.
It can take up to a year for an infected dog to show symptoms of heartworm, Beeler said, including sickness and wheezing. But before rushing out and buying heartworm medicine, pet parents should have their dogs examined by a veterinarian to see if they have the disease.
PHOTO: San Gabriel Tribune
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